Creating and Entering Stick Notation
The best way to insert picture files for stick notation into iRetrieval is by creating them in a music notation program like Sibelius or Finale and then transferring them by copying and pasting the graphic files directly into iRetrieval. If users do not have these programs, there are several options. Users can scan handwritten notation and insert these pictures as PDF documents into the program. Another way is to utilize the Kodaly font, which comes pre-packaged with iRetrieval. Using this font along with Microsoft Word (or equivalent) can help users get started on creating their own stick notation to enter for their retrievals.
Process
• Open iRetrieval as well as a blank Word document. For best aesthetic results, you will want to setup your Word document in landscape orientation.
• Use the “Rhythm Builder” in iRetrieval to build your notation.
• Copy your stick notation and paste it directly into a blank Word document. This will need to be done on a line-by-line basis for your notation. You will most likely need to select what you pasted and adjust the font to make it bigger. You might notice that the tops of the beams appear to get cutoff… this is just a Word error and will be corrected when you print or create your PDF document.
• Insert text boxes to indicate solfege and/or lyrics. Some users may prefer to use one text box and space everything out, others might use a separate box for each element. This will depend on the user’s preference.
• Whenever you insert a text box, you may notice that when you move it around, it moves your notation and/or other text boxes. To fix this, you must set the text box to be “In front of Text”. Right click on the text box and go to “Format Text Box”. From here, go to the layout tab and then select “In front of text.” You should now be able to move this text box without moving other objects.
• Insert lyrics/solfege etc. into the box and manually space this out so it lines up with your stick notation. You will need to play with this to get your own system established.
TIP: When moving a text box, if you hold down the Command (or alt on PC) while dragging, you will be able to fine tune your movement of the text box.
• The best way to center your notation in iRetrieval will be to play with the margins in Word prior to printing it as a PDF document. If it is centered in Word, it will be once you insert it into iRetrieval.
• Print your stick notation document as a PDF. PDF writing software is needed for this step. This is a standard feature for MACs, PC users may need to download PDF writing software. There are several free options to do this. iRetrieval recommends “Cute PDF Writer.” This can be found online via a quick Google search. Follow the directions on their site for installation and use.
• Once printed as a PDF, go back into iRetrieval. Go to your retrieval printout tab and click on Insert Retrieval Picture. Select your retrieval PDF and you should see it show up. Size and spacing issues must be played with back in the Word document for best results.
TIP: If you happen to see an icon instead of your picture, try dragging your PDF file and dropping it directly in the picture box in iRetrieval. This should only affect PC users and if it is done this way, should allow you to see the PDF as a picture rather than as an icon. This holds true for all other tabs that hold pictures or other files within the program.